keturah
Very rare / obscureFormal, Historical, Biblical
Definition
Meaning
A Biblical name, traditionally a personal name, specifically one of Abraham's wives after Sarah's death.
In modern usage, it is almost exclusively a rare female given name, often with religious or historical associations. It is not used as a common noun.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This word is a proper noun. Its semantic field is limited to onomastics (the study of names) and Biblical/historical reference. It carries no intrinsic meaning beyond its referent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference; the name is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes deep Biblical knowledge, traditionalism, or a specific cultural/religious heritage.
Frequency
Extremely rare as a first name in both regions, possibly slightly more recognised in communities with strong Biblical literacy.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Proper Noun] (subject/object)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in theological, historical, or onomastic studies discussing the Hebrew Bible/patriarchal narratives.
Everyday
Only used when referring to someone with that name or in specific religious discussion.
Technical
No technical usage.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This is my friend, Keturah.
- Keturah is a name from the Bible.
- I read about Abraham and Keturah.
- According to Genesis, Abraham took Keturah as his wife after Sarah died.
- The genealogies list six sons born to Keturah.
- Scholars debate the historical and literary significance of the Keturah narrative in the patriarchal cycle.
- Keturah's descendants are traditionally associated with certain Arabian tribes.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: "KEep TURnning to Abraham" – she was his wife later in life.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable; a referential name.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- May be transliterated into Cyrillic as 'Кетура'. It is not a common Russian name and has no meaning in Russian.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'Ketura', 'Katurah', or 'Kethurah'. Mispronouncing the middle syllable.
- Treating it as a common noun with a general meaning.
Practice
Quiz
Keturah is primarily known as...
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare given name, used almost exclusively in religious or historical contexts.
The etymology is uncertain. Common suggestions from Hebrew include 'incense' or 'fragrance', but this is scholarly interpretation, not a core meaning of the English word.
No. In modern English, 'Keturah' functions solely as a proper noun (a name).
She is mentioned as Abraham's later wife, through whom he had several sons, linking him to other tribal groups. Her story is brief in Genesis 25.